Jennifer Garrett, MA, LCMHC-S, LCAS, CCS

“Trauma is not what happens to us, but what we hold inside in the absence of an empathetic witness.”

~ Peter Levine

My Approach & Philosophy

I believe it is important to accept people just as they are and where they are in their process. I believe recovery and healing is a continuum and ongoing process, a matter of direction and motion, as in, “What are you looking for and moving toward?” Even in the smallest of actions and thoughts, this matters! Because of this, anything from exploring personal harm reduction to the process of self-actualization is recovery and healing.

It is part of who we are as humans to bond, and if we don’t have bonds with other humans that feel loving and accepting, we will find other things to bond with, or bond to. Experiencing trauma and bonding to things, even becoming addicted, is part of the human experience. It is in my heart to help people break free from stories, constructs, behaviors, addictions, and ways of relating that do not serve them anymore!

I’ve experienced neglect, depression, codependency, “coming out,” and unhealthy bonds myself and have learned ways to get back to myself, my truth, and my vision for my life.

Modalities I like to incorporate into our work are Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Internal Family Systems, Motivational Enhancement, and Narrative Therapy. My own healing journey includes Internal Family Systems and Narrative Therapy.

Some other things I’ve done in my life are work for the YMCA in Nashville for 10 years (started in high school), been an elementary school PE teacher, a high school Language Arts teacher (that lasted one semester), and a counselor/therapist for over 10 years in agencies and private practice.

My credentials include Masters of Arts: Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Argosy University Nashville: 2007

Licensed Clinical Addictions Specialist: LCAS #2646 and Certified Clinical Supervisor: CCS #20527

Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor and Supervisor LCMHC #8682

I love a good pen, tacos, and hiking all over the place!

*Offering supervision for LCMHC, LCAS, and CSAC* – Contact us to find out more.

Specialities

I provide mental health and addiction counseling to adults, and specialize in:

• Working with the LGBTQ+ population
• Poly/CNM+
• Low Self Worth and Self Esteem
• Relationship challenges
• Religious Trauma
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Substance use
• Therapy for Therapists

You Deserve to Feel Great.
I’m Here to Help